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	TEAM LINE UPS
	EVENT SUMMARY

BUFFALO N.Y- Team Finland sealed their first win in the World Juniors tournament after defeating Switzerland 4-0 at HSBC Arena on Tuesday afternoon. 

Finland, who lost to USA on Sunday night, came out to play and prove their defensive strength as they faced Team Switzerland. The Swiss were coming off a 4-3 victory against Germany.

Finland attacked Swiss goalie, Benjamin Conz, in the first period with 18 shots on goal. Conz blocked all but one, a goal by Joonas Nattinen, with 19 seconds left in the period.

Finnish goaltender Joni Ortio, who was solid in net against the United States, didn’t see many pucks at his end of the ice, but was prepared when necessary. Notably, Ortio made a glove save on a breakaway attempt by Swiss star forward, Nino Neiderreiter, who was held to just three shots on goal through 60 minutes of hockey.

Switzerland played well defensively in the second period, holding Finland to just seven shots on goal. Though, Finland would strike again when Jaakko Turtiainen took a shot from the bottom of the right circle that beat a screened Conz, making the score 2-0 to finish the second period.

Finland’s defensive play was a critical component to their game as they held Switzerland to 15 shots during the game and killed off a 5-on-3 opportunity. 

Jyrki Jokipakka had two assists in the game and had a strong breakaway attempt against Conz after Switzerland opened the third period with a more aggressive style of play.

The Swiss’ rougher style only made Finland skate harder and add another two goals, the first a power play goal by Teemu Pulkkinen and the second by Julius Junttila. Finland finished the game shorthanded in the last two minutes of the game and managed to preserve Ortio’s shutout.

Finland’s captain Sami Vatanen said, "It was a great game for us. I was happy with our play and with Ortio. It was everything we needed."

Swiss coach Richard Jost commented, “We knew Finland was a good team and we allowed them to have those goals.They never stopped and now all we can do is prepare for Slovakia."

Finland hosts Germany for a 3:30 p.m. contest on Wednesday Dec. 29 and Switzerland will face Slovakia on Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. Both games will be played at HSBC Arena.